DaVinci
From a famous color system to a complete post-production suite
When people type just "DaVinci" into a search bar, they usually mean the video software. The name has been linked with color grading for decades, long before the program became a general editor.
This page explains where the name comes from, how the product evolved and how the different tools relate to each other, so you know exactly which one you need.
- DecadesOf color grading heritage
- 1 nameMany products in the family
- HollywoodUsed in professional finishing
- FreeEntry point for learners
What does DaVinci mean in video software?
In video, DaVinci refers to the DaVinci family of tools for color and finishing, with DaVinci Resolve as the flagship application. The name has long been a mark of high-end grading, and it stayed attached to the software as it grew.
Today the word covers the main application, its paid Studio edition and a line of hardware control panels that give hands-on control of color, editing and audio. If you see "DaVinci" without any other words, you are almost certainly looking at DaVinci Resolve.
How the software grew
- Color firstIt began as a specialized color correction system used in facilities that finished films, commercials and music videos.
- Software for everyoneThe program moved to ordinary computers and a free version appeared, which opened it to students and independent artists.
- Editing arrivesA full non-linear editor was added, so one application could assemble and grade a project.
- Audio and effectsIntegrated audio post production and node-based compositing joined the same application.
- Faster workflows and photoQuick-turnaround editing and still image tools completed the idea of one app for all post work.
The DaVinci family at a glance
| Name | What it is | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | The free, full-featured application | Beginners, creators, students, indie filmmakers |
| DaVinci Resolve Studio | The paid edition with extra tools | Professionals and busy small studios |
| Control panels | Hardware for grading, editing and audio | People who want tactile, faster control |
| Training material | Guides and courses for each page | Anyone learning a new workflow |
The important point is that you do not need to buy anything to begin. The free application is the real product, not a limited demo.
Why creators choose DaVinci
Image quality
Processing is built around high bit depth and wide color, which protects detail in highlights and shadows.
One project file
Edit, color, effects and audio stay together, so nothing is lost between stages.
Friendly price
A free edition and a one-time paid upgrade, rather than a monthly subscription, suit independent creators.
Cross-platform
The same program works on Windows, macOS and Linux, making team projects easier.
Large community
Free tutorials, templates and forums cover nearly every question a newcomer has.
Room to grow
Start with simple cuts and move into grading, effects and mixing at your own speed.
Where to begin with DaVinci
Start small. Download the free application, create a project and drop in a handful of clips from your phone or camera. Put them in order on the timeline, trim the beginnings and ends, add some music and export a short video. That one exercise teaches you the media pool, the timeline and the delivery settings.
Next, open the color page and try to match two shots that were filmed under different light. After that, explore effects and sound at your own speed. There is no need to learn every tool on day one, and nothing in the free edition expires while you practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is DaVinci the same as DaVinci Resolve?
In the video world, yes. It is the shorthand for the Resolve software, though the brand also covers Studio and hardware panels.
What is DaVinci best known for?
Color grading. It is widely used for finishing films, series and commercials, and its color tools are a main reason people adopt it.
Is DaVinci only for professionals?
No. The free version is designed to be approachable, and many beginners learn editing and color on it.
Is DaVinci a subscription?
The software is free, and the Studio edition is sold as a one-time purchase instead of a monthly plan.
Are there other programs named DaVinci?
The name is used in other fields as well, such as art and engineering. This site covers the video editing and color software only.
Try DaVinci for yourself
Install the free edition and see why the name is so well known among colorists and editors.